Store Tour: Union Jacks, London

Interior design by Black Sheep | Photography by Gareth Gardner | Products: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Following the success of his Jamie's Italian restaurant chain in the UK, Jamie Oliver is rolling out a new restaurant brand, Union Jacks. Designed by Black Sheep the restaurant uses the elements of service, food, theatre and ambiance to create a unique dining experience. Personally I love the subtle nod to yesteryear and references to post-war nostalgia, including beralware-inspired plates (that read "stop looking at my bottom" when you turn them over!). Another standout feature of the design is the graphic neon multicoloured 'Union Jacks' sign that sits above a large vintage cinema style menu board. The colour palette combines muted blue, brown, grey and pink with primary brights and pastel hues. These colours are broken by graph paper printed on counter tables, which are accompanied by school chairs. In the downstairs area there antique TV screens that link to cameras in the kitchen so that diners can see the chefs at work - how fab! A mix of colourful and nostalgic elements make this restaurant design a hit in my book. What's inspiring you about the space?

Store Tour: March Pantry, San Francisco

Interior shots via March; taken by Angie Silvy and Drew Altizer | Products: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

'Provisions for the home', the accompanying strap line for San Francisco-based March Pantry, perfectly embodies the ethos of the inviting, homely and comforting store that lies inside. Industrial elements such as metal and wood furniture and subway tiles sit comfortably alongside pared-back ceramics and tactile linens, creating an effortlessly stylish vibe to the space. You can see how much effort has gone into the visual merchandising yet it doesn't feel forced or contrived - a feat that's certainly not easy to achieve! I like how the rustic baskets add texture to the white shelving and the sophisticated packaging that acorns the sleek black bottles of olive oil would certainly be a weekly staple for me if I lived in the city. The space has achieved the delicate balance between being industrial not harsh and airy not stark. I'd just love to recreate a kitchen space at home like this, wouldn't you? What's inspiring you about March? Have you been? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Store Tour: Galateo & Friends, Italy

Photography by Reed Davis and Will Taylor

During my trip to Italy this summer I stayed at my friend Annette's beautiful vacation home on the Italian Riveria and she kindly showed us around her favourite haunts in the local town. By far my favourite of these stores was Galateo & Friends, a concept store stocking oils, candles, finger foods, linens and home accessories. The clean, white palette is punctuated with bold red hues: modernist bulbs hang from blood red cords and burnt red thread is used to signify tomato candles. The service was outstanding (a lot of British retail could really do with learning a thing or two from the Italian hospitality) and the products of the highest quality. If you're heading to the Italian Riveria then do be sure to pop into Galateo & Friends.

LONDON STORE TOUR: RICE

Well, folks, you know I'm always a happy chap when I'm around my beloved brights, so clearly I was in seventh heaven inside the new store for Danish brand, Rice. Located in Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, the store is a like a treasure trove of colourful finds where you can expect to find anything from melamine dinnerware to patterned baskets and patchwork textiles. The staff are super friendly and clearly passionate about their product, so I'd definitely recommend you pop in and treat yourself (and your home!) to some brights.

Tommy Hilfiger's London Pop Up Shop: Preppy Brights

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Last week London's Covent Garden played host to a temporary beach house that was Tommy Hilfiger's home from home for a week. Complete with garden and a healthy dose of UK sunshine, it really did feel like a mini slice of East Coast Hamptons chic (well, if you looked past the hoards to tourists in the surrounding area!). The interior mirrored the preppy nature of the brand's apparel range: Bright primary coloured hues dominated the whitewashed beach hut interior, whilst coloured Tolix chairs doubled as display stands for books, accessories and stationery. What catches your eye? My favourite design elements included the blue and white awnings and the quirky coloured ducks. Tommy's pop up beach house will be travelling to Stockholm, LA, Milan, Madrid, Sylt and Knokke. Be sure to check it out if you can!